Father Fidelis Mukonori

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Fidelis Mukonori is a Zimbabwean religious leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He is also the Executive Director of Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa[1] He is known mostly for his proximity to political figures and for facilitating political events such as the burial of politicians accordeded hero status.

In November 2017, after the Zimbabwean military had taken over control of the country, he was a mediator between President Mugabe and the military generals.

Background

Fidelis Mukonori S.J. was born on 15 July 1947. He attended Chishawasha Mission. He holds a Masters of Theology (MTH) degree from Berkeley, California, USA (1977). He also holds a Diploma in Social Development (Canada), Diploma in Philosophy (Zimbabwe) and an Advanced Certificate in Conflict Resolution (RSA). He has attended several courses on Social Development, Philosophy and Mediation. Mukonori has experience in Productive Mixed Farming, Mass Communication and Election Observation. He has been a member of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace since 1974.

Career

He worked with Silveira House for 26 years from 1975 as Youth Coordinator, Youth Director, Leadership and Civics Trainer and Internal Auditor. In 1979 he assisted in the Lancaster House Conference from the background. He was a member of the African Development Committee (ADC/CAD), which was linked to and sponsored by the European Community (1980-1990). He was one of the Constitutional Commissioners who drafted Zimbabwe's proposed new Constitution. Mukonori served as a Provincial of the Jesuits in Zimbabwe for 11 years. He is currently the Priest for Chishawasha/ Parish and Principal of Chishawasha Primary Boarding School. He is also a delegate for Chishawasha Estate to the Jesuit Provincial.